2012 Louis Roederer "Cristal" Brut Champagne (direct from Roederer 2022)

The 2012 Cristal is another absolutely stellar wine this flight of recent releases. Rich, vinous and beautifully textured, the 2012 has been nothing short of magnificent on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. In the glass, the 2012 is radiant and luscious, yet it possesses remarkable transparency and striking aromatic depth. Light tropical notes develop in the glass, giving the 2012 a real feeling of exotic beauty. The 2012 is the first vintage of Cristal done with 100% organically-farmed fruit, an approach introduced gradually starting with the 2007 that has profoundly changes Cristal, especially in its aromatic breadth. Two thousand twelve is the vintage where endless trials and experiments in farming and winemaking are fully realized. The 2012 is just stunning. It’s as simple as that. Dosage is just over 7 grams per liter, the lowest it has even been for Cristal. (AG)

As the first 100% biodynamic Cristal, entirely from Roederer-owned vineyards, this is an important milestone. This latest incarnation is a great Champagne with its density, elegance and poise. Still impressively young, the wine is taut, tightly wound and textured. At the same time, it has pure, ripe white and citrus fruits that are perfumed, and an important part of this wine’s long-term future. Drink at the earliest from 2023. Organic and biodynamic. *Cellar Selection* (RV)

A true classic Champagne, it is made to last and will age gracefully rewarding you for your patience with unimaginable complexity and intriguing flavor profile in yers to come. Cristal is never disappointing. It is one of the most impressive Champagne and it shows. Elegant yet firm and structured with delicate aromas that are shy at first but open up with a little bit of time in a glass. The same goes for the palate: gentle bubbles blanket beautiful freshness and brightness of this wine. It is a masterpiece.